Extremely Homophobic Archbishop Being Investigated for Sexual Relationships with Men

Tell me if you’ve heard this story before: An extremely vocal anti-gay advocate being caught, or accused of, having homosexual relationships.

Well that’s the case with Archbishop John Nienstedt of Minnesota, who’s now under investigation for “allegations that he had a series of sexual relationships with priests, seminarians and other men.”

I know, you’re stunned.

And, of course, Nienstedt claims that the allegations “are absolutely and entirely false” and has said he’s the one who ordered the investigation.

He also said, “The allegations do not involve minors or lay members of the faithful, and they do not implicate any kind of illegal or criminal behavior. The allegations involve events alleged to have occurred at least a decade ago, before I began serving in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.”

It seems that an investigation based on one accusation has revealed much more according to Jennifer Haselberger, former top canon lawyer for Nienstedt, who was interviewed by investigators.

“Based on my interview with Greene Espel, as well as conversations with other interviewees, I believe the investigators have received about ten sworn statements alleging sexual impropriety on the part of the archbishop dating from his time as a priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit, as Bishop of New Ulm, and while coadjutor/archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis,” Haselberger said.

Nienstedt is also being accused of threatening retaliation against anyone who reported his behavior.

These accusations are especially interesting considering Nienstedt has been an extremely vocal anti-LGBT advocate. He’s often called homosexuality “evil” and has publicly said he considers it a human psychological disorder.

In 2012, Nienstedt launched a massive campaign in Minnesota, committing $650,000 in church funds, trying to get a ban on same-sex marriage passed. It did not work.

Though I find it odd how a church can spend that kind of money on a political issue yet still enjoy their tax exemptions.

While Nienstedt uses the defense that he asked for this investigation (based on one accusation), it seems he might not have expected investigators to stumble across ten other sworn statements alleging inappropriate sexual conduct by the Archdiocese. Not only that, accusations that he threatened to retaliate in some way against some of these accusers if they ever went public with this story.

It never ceases to amaze me just how many extremely vocal anti-LGBT advocates end up being accused of, or caught, having homosexual relationships.

Allen Clifton is from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and has a degree in Political Science. He is a co-founder of Forward Progressives, and author of the popular Right Off A Cliff column. He is also the founder of the Right Off A Cliff facebook page, on which he routinely voices his opinions and stirs the pot for the Progressive movement. Follow Allen on Twitter as well, @Allen_Clifton.

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Comments

Now Allen, that’s a mighty “wide stance” to take regarding this situation!

Karen

can you say, “Self-loathing”?

Bill Grant

“Though I find it odd how a church can spend that kind of money on a political issue yet still enjoy their tax exemptions.” I find it odd that a church would spend this kind of money on something like that when they are having to close parishes left and right due to them not being able to afford keeping them open.

jeannebean

The Catholic Church is the biggest corporation the world has ever seen. Money can always be found, especially when it’s in aid of church doctrine. $650,000.00?? You can find that between the cushions on Francis’ couch.

gian keysTOOEASY flat mom

again,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,as not ever reported on fox ”NEWS”

Sparky O’Toole

The lady doth protest too much, methinks

Joe Shackelford

I love!!!! One of many, many reasons I consider myself a {recovering catholic}

Meggie

Well, at least (as far as we know) he’s hitting on men and not little boys.

SteveXS

The louder they scream, the more they have to hide.

buricco

It never ceases to amaze me just how many extremely vocal anti-LGBT
advocates end up being accused of, or caught, having homosexual
relationships.